Security roundup: USB drives, mice and keyboards can be hacked

This week we take a look at how USB devices can be hacked, the security issues around wearable tech, and the new findings on the Koler malware.

SR Labs has reported that USB devices such as mice, keyboards and drives, can be used to hack PCs.

"You cannot tell where the virus came from. It is almost like a magic trick," said chief scientist Karsten Nohl, explaining that hackers can potentially load malicious software onto tiny computer chips that could control functions of USB devices.

Meanwhile, Symantec has released a whitepaper looking at the security around fitness tracking. The security firm has discovered that all current wearable fitness models are vulnerable to location tracking, with those using Bluetooth LE being particularly at risk.

Symantec used a Raspberry Pi to build a number of cheap Bluetooth scanners and found that it is possible to scan and locate a device.

In other news, Kaspersky has detected a hidden part of the malicious campaign which introduced Koler ‘police’ mobile ransomware for Android devices to the world in April.

This part includes some browser-based ransomware and an exploit kit. Since July 23rd the mobile component of the campaign has been disrupted. However, the rest of the malicious components for PC users – including the exploit kit – are still active.